The problem is that to reproduce the female tree makes a sticky, white fluffy seed which is carried on the wind but, instead of seeding, it often gets stuck to houses.

This has led to a drop in numbers - with the black poplar in the North-east now perilously scarce.

Now it is hoped the tree will be able to thrive in a new woodland being developed by a community forestry group.

Skerningham Community Woodland covers more than ten hectares of former farmland on the banks of the River Skerne near Barmpton and is now home to more than 12,000 trees - including a number of black poplars grown from cuttings taken by schoolchildren in Darlington.

Clive Davies, regional director of North East Community Forests, said: "We would like to thank Thompson's of Prudhoe and County Durham Environmental Trust (CDENT) landfill tax scheme, for jointly funding this initiative that will benefit the local environment and the people who live, work and visit Darlington."